Leading by example

Much like the ocean, the Massachusetts Maritime Academy in Buzzards Bay is one of those local jewels that is so close and omnipresent that it is easy to take for granted.

capecodtimes.com

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Posted Nov. 29, 2012 at 2:00 AM

Posted Nov. 29, 2012 at 2:00 AM

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Much like the ocean, the Massachusetts Maritime Academy in Buzzards Bay is one of those local jewels that is so close and omnipresent that it is easy to take for granted.

But taking things for granted was the last thing on the minds of the 45 academy staffers who have given up more than a month of their lives, including Thanksgiving with friends and families, in favor of helping out hundreds of people who they had never met and will likely never meet again.

The academy's training ship, the Kennedy, remains moored just off Staten Island, where it will be stationed through Dec. 15. The crew from Mass. Maritime is providing food and shelter to a small army of up to 500 federal employee volunteers who are working in tandem with Federal Emergency Management Administration workers, reaching out to victims of Hurricane Sandy.

Unlike their fellow volunteers, however, academy staff members keep the home fires burning, providing a safe harbor for the volunteers. And although it was nothing like having Thanksgiving at home, the ship's crew did everything possible to make it a pleasant experience for those on board, including roasting eight turkeys and 15 turkey breasts, and providing a warm dry place to sleep.

There is of course much to be said about the federal employees, many of whom are spending up to 12 hours a day, seven days a week on the barren streets of Staten Island, seeking out residents and offering them supplies, financial assistance, and sometimes just a friendly word or two. Their tireless efforts may be the only comfort some New Yorkers have received since the storm hit several weeks ago.

But the crew from Mass. Maritime, many of whom will not leave the pier where the Kennedy is tied up, play an equally important supporting role. They are the ones who comfort the comforters, providing badly needed food and shelter in a place where both are in short supply.

We can think of few more powerful lessons for the students who attend the academy. Virtually every one of these students has been aboard the Kennedy at one point or another during their college years, usually as part of a training mission. To see their staff members, teachers, and leaders putting their knowledge into action on behalf of those in need sends a powerful message about the importance of both personal service and the responsibility of being part of a larger community.

It is easy to become jaded and cynical about where we are headed as a nation. We see political bickering and infighting on a daily basis as those elected to do the public's bidding seem more intent on holding onto power than helping the average person.

But while most of us were hunkered down last Thursday enjoying turkey or other treats, these selfless staffers decided to forego their traditional family holiday, truly teaching all of us what it means to give back.